…and i’m back in the game!

so, yes, it’s been forever since i posted…and no, i didn’t fall in the ohio river or get lost on my way from houston to cincinnati.  the past few months have been one huge whirlwind, and i’m only now starting to catch my breathe and settle into some semblance of ‘life as usual’.

i moved to cincinnati in june, and it is a wonderful city.  it has that small city/big town feel that is unique to only a select few cities that i’ve ever been.  she’s a much older city than anywhere i’ve ever lived, so there is a ton of gorgeous architecture and design everywhere.  everywhere you look the old-school city threatens to burst from the shiny new veneer that’s slowly settled over it in recent years…much in the same way that an amazing antique table’s real beauty is suppressed by a woven tablecloth.

this summer was a good one.  my family visited for a few days in late june, and it was so much fun to experience some of the city with them while they were here.  it’s weird, but i miss everyone more here than i did when i was in houston.  i think it’s partially because houston just seemed so much further away from everyone, whereas cincinnati feels closer (which is only true by about 45 minutes of drive-time).  also, i was always so swamped with coaching duties down there that i didn’t have time to miss anyone too much.  here, i’ve been able to really focus on my teaching duties and then go home.  it’s quite nice, actually.  i miss coaching a lot, of course, but i also like being able to stay at school for a few hours to grade papers and then leave work at work and enjoy my evenings (it’s amazing, i tell you…a whole new world!).

ellen and i went to several reds games this summer…which were fun, but the team stinks this year.  they say they’re rebuilding for next season, but apparently they’ve been saying that for quite a while.  i hope they get it figured out…there’s no use in having a baseball team in town if they only bring dismay in rooting for them.  i won’t even discuss the bengals.  i’ll spare you the grief…and the rap sheet.

my new job is at cincinnati hills christian academy, a small private school northeast of cincinnati.  it is amazing, and i love going to work every day.  my coworkers are great, the kids actually do what you ask them to (the first time you ask them!), and our facilities and resources are fantastic!  the parents have been tremendously supportive.   it’s a good fit for me, academically, professionally, and spiritually…and it’s such a low-stress job compared to other schools that it really seems like a place that i could be for a long time.

i also found an amazing church that i’ve loved going to and hope to get plugged in with in the coming months.  it’s called crossroads community church, and they have a really refreshing take on what the purpose of the church really is and should be.  it’s so laid-back, and the pastor obviously has a passionate heart for the congregation and for people in general (which is so refreshing after some of my church experiences!).  if you’re interested in it, or are just curious…here’s the website: www.crossroads.net.

i think i’m going to end up playing in an indoor soccer league, as well.  one of my coworkers put me in touch with the girl who nannies for her kids, and she and her boyfriend play in an indoor league in mason (a little north of here).  this week, i went to check it out and watch them play their last game of this season, and i think i’m gonna play with them next season.  i’m pretty excited…it’s been a while since i’ve played at any competitive level at all.  time to get back in shape!

ummmm…not a whole lot else to report.  ellen started her master’s at ohio university in athens about a week ago.  i think she’s enjoying it so far. 

if i haven’t talked to you in a while, please drop me a line…whether it’s a comment on here, a phone call, a text, an email, or a facebook message…i don’t care…just let me know how life’s treatin’ ya.  even though i’m slowly settling into life as an ohioan (i think that’s what i am now…?), i still think of you often, and i miss hearing from you guys!